Was It Really Intentional?
First of all, a question that had been brought up many times ever since his death is: was it a suicide? Cornell died on the evening of May 17th, 2017, just after he performed a concert with Soundgarden in Detroit. According to a representative of his, it was “sudden and unexpected,” even mentioning that the singer’s family will be “working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause.” But more on that later.
Chris Cornell performing with Soundgarden at Whiskey a Go Go, 1989. Photo by Mediapunch / Shutterstock
It took a matter of hours after his death for the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s office to rule Chris’ death a suicide by hanging. Apparently, a family friend found Cornell on the bathroom floor of his hotel room at the MGM Grand. Cornell’s wife, Vicky, was doubtful about his death being a suicide.